Tomas Bata University in Zlín
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Measuring the quality of life university students and its predictors as a basis for its applied research. Cross-country evidence
Get PDFThe paper is focused on the quality of life of university students in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Spain and its indicators and predictors. University students represent a specific demographic group due to a combination of age, education, and health. Paper has several goals. The first goal is to determine the value of the quality of life of university students in the mentioned countries and to determine the degree of their similarity/difference. The second goal is to compare their quality of life with the quality of life in individual countries. The third goal is to investigate which of the indicators have an impact on the quality of life, and thus are its predictors. Two scientific questions are formulated. Firstly, we are interested in whether there will be a difference between quality of life in Central European countries and Western European Spain. Secondly, we aim to find which predictors there are in common in the studied countries. In other words, we examine what the Quality of Life of university students in five countries is and what determines it to be the way it is.This work was supported by the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic and the Slovak Academy of Science [grant number VEGA 1/0578/24 ]
English classroom emotions across different cultures
Get PDFEmotions have been shown to impact the cognitive and motivational aspects of learning significantly. Therefore, choosing appropriate activities to stimulate learners’ positive emotions can thus greatly enhance learning. The present study aimed to find out which learning activities induce positive/negative emotions in learners of English at the lower secondary level in three culturally different contexts (Slovakia, Austria, and Japan). The secondary aim was to identify the emotions experienced. A methodological triangulation using mixed research methods (questionnaire, interview, and observation) was conducted with 361 learners and their 6 English teachers. The results showed that joy was the predominant emotion, mainly induced by peer communication and interaction. Negative emotions of anxiety and boredom were associated with testing and frontal teaching. The analysis of learners’ emotions in English classes is highly relevant to the area of teaching English for specific purposes. A better understanding of the affective aspect of foreign language learning may help foreign language teachers and methodologists select the tailored instruction and appropriate activities to effectively address learners’ actual cognitive and affective needs in different educational contexts.Ministerstvo školstva, vedy, výskumu a športu Slovenskej republiky, (KEGA 001UKF-4/2024); Ministerstvo školstva, vedy, výskumu a športu Slovenskej republikyKEGA Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic [KEGA 001UKF-4/2024
Enhancing the role of biopolymer-based composites as cost-effective biostimulants and bioactive coating systems for sustainable agriculture: preparation, characterization, and optimization
No full textHerein, biopolymer-based composite coating systems using cellulose gum (CMC) and gum acacia (GA) as polymeric biostimulants were developed. Micronized beer spent grain waste (BW) and montmorillonite (MT) were used as filler materials. Salicylic acid (a model bioactive phytohormone) was added to various gel formulations, which were applied as coatings on Lupinus angustifolius (Boregine lupin) seeds. The composite coatings were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), surface morphology analysis (SEM), and compression tests for mechanical stability. A factorial optimization design was applied to evaluated the effects of MT: BW ratio, salicylic acid concentration, and coating layers on germination rate (GR%), germination potential (GP%), germination index (GI), and vigor index (VI). Results demonstrated that using 0.5 g/kg salicylic acid yielded maximum GR%, GP%, GI, and VI values of over 75%, 30%, 3%, and 5%, respectively. The biopolymeric composite coatings exhibited significantly improved germination and early growth in the coated seeds as compared to the uncoated seeds. In conclusion, the developed composite coatings show promise for enhancing early plant growth, while promoting facile and cost-effective sustainable agricultural practices through the use of biopolymers.Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně, UT
Test parameter sensitivity of the Lake-Yeoh cutting method for measurement of intrinsic strength of rubber
Get PDFThe intrinsic strength of rubber, T0 is one of the key parameters when describing fracture behaviour of elastomer because it is at this specific value of energy that crack growth initiates within loaded rubber material. The Coesfeld Intrinsic Strength Analyzer (ISA) has been established as the most efficient equipment to directly analyse T0 for various rubber materials. However, to obtain the most reliable and reproducible results it is crucial to understand the influence of boundary conditions of the ISA measuring methodology. Therefore, in this study sets of boundary conditions were chosen to be analysed through mechanical response of reference EPDM material with known T0 value. For the purposes of this study the effects of individual boundary conditions were compared through directly measured value of intrinsic cutting energy, S0 which is proportional to T0. Blade sharpness and geometry showed the greatest impact followed by repetition of blade and specimen milling direction whereas the relaxation time and number of measuring strains showed no significant influence. The results of this study show that the knowledge of blade micro-geometry is at its most importance during the T0 analyses. Moreover, the data clearly indicates possible future modification of boundary conditions to achieve a very efficient testing procedure with significantly reduced time required for the analyses.This project is co-financed from the state budget by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic under the M-ERA.NET 3 Call 2021 Programme (TH80020008) within the European Union\u2019s Horizon 2020 research an innovation program under grant agreement (No. 958174)\u201D and by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic\u2014DKRVO (RP_CPS_2024_28_006). The authors are also grateful for the funding of the grant received from The Internal Grant Agency (IGA) of TBU in Zlin\u2014(IGA/CPS/2025/005)CzechELib Transformative Agreemen
Experimental and computational analysis of Ni-P and Fe-P metal foams for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline media
No full textElectrochemical water splitting is a promising approach for sustainable hydrogen production, with the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) playing a key role. Transition metal phosphides (TMPs) have emerged as efficient and cost-effective alternatives to Pt-based catalysts. In this study, we investigate Ni-P and Fe-P metal foams, utilising their porous structures to enhance catalytic activity. Electrochemical analysis reveals that Ni-P exhibits superior reaction kinetics (79 mV dec−1) and a high electrochemically active surface area (41.8 mF cm−2). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further confirm the role of phosphorus doping, with Ni(111)Pads achieving a near-optimal Gibbs free energy (ΔGH* = 0.01 eV). Comparative DFT analysis also reveals a trend in ΔGH values for Ni(111) and Fe(110), demonstrating the impact of phosphorus incorporation on HER performance. These findings provide valuable insights into the design of porous TMP catalysts for efficient and scalable hydrogen production.European Regional Development Fund [09I03-03-V04-00109]; EU NextGenerationEU through the Recovery and Resilience Plan for Slovakia [APVV-20-0299]; Slovak Research and Development Agency [VEGA 1/0057/25, 311070AKF2]; Scientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic; European Regional Development Fund; EU Structural Funds Informatization of SocietyThis work was supported by the EU NextGenerationEU through the Recovery and Resilience Plan for Slovakia under the project no. 09I03-03-V04-00109, the Slovak Research and Development Agency (project APVV-20-0299) and the Scientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic (project VEGA 1/0057/25). Part of the research results were obtained using the computational resources procured in the national project National Competence Centre for high-performance Computing (project code: 311070AKF2) funded by the European Regional Development Fund, EU Structural Funds Informatization of Society, Operational Program Integrated Infrastructure
Innovative behavior among public servants: A case of idea generation on the municipal level
Get PDFPublic sector innovation is a widely discussed process that brings new approaches, incorporates new technologies, and improves public services. This study aims to explore the relationship between antecedents and idea generation, shedding light on the factors that contribute positively or negatively to the idea generation stage of public sector inno-vation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 respondents (heads of departments) to gather data on the antecedents that influence idea generation. The findings resulted in the development of a framework of permissive and prohibitive antecedents — drivers and barriers — in three categories: organizational, individual, and environmental. The main barriers identified are limited availability of resources, incentives and rewards, limited learning opportunities, reluctance to take risks, leadership styles, and the cultural environment. The findings broaden the current knowledge of the innovation process within public organizations, with a focus on the initial phase. They can also have practical impli-cations for creating educational and development strategies for public sector organizations
Lignin-based hydrogels for application in agriculture: A review
No full textAgriculture is an important sector for maintaining environmental sustainability and ensuring global food security. However, the sector faces significant challenges caused by soil degradation, water scarcity, and resource limitations. To overcome the challenges, several studies have shown that innovative materials, including hydrogels, have the ability to improve agricultural practices. Lignin, the sole polyaromatic biopolymer, and the second most abundant biopolymer, has been extensively explored for a wide range of applications. For example, lignin valorization represents a significant issue for lignocellulosic biorefineries as well as the pulp and paper industry. This has led to an increase in interest over the past decade in its utilization to create innovative, advanced smart materials. Therefore, this study aims to discuss the applications, advantages, and possibilities of lignin-based hydrogels in addressing the primary difficulties of contemporary agriculture to increase sustainability. The initial section of the study discussed the introduction of lignin and its isolation methods, followed by an in-depth examination of polymeric hydrogels, encompassing their composition and applications in agriculture. The third section focused on lignin-based hydrogels, detailing preparation procedures for their primary application in agriculture. This study also analyzed the progress in lignin-based hydrogels over the past decade and provided a relevant assessment of the promising material.E-Layanan Sains BRIN; National Study and Innovation Agency; Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional, BRIN, (92/II/HK/2024); Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional, BRIN; Joint Collaboration Program of the Research Organization of Agriculture and Food National Research and Innovation Agency, (6/III.11/HK/2024); Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, Minobrnauka, (Nr 075-15-2023-602, MΓ.2023); Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, MinobrnaukaNational Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) [92/II/HK/2024]; Research Organization of Agriculture and Food National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) [6/III.11/HK/2024]; Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation [075-15-2023-602, 20.0060.MGamma.2023
Collagen hydrolysates from animal by-products in topical cosmetic formulations
Get PDFThe circular economy of animal by-products rich in collagen focuses on converting collagen into peptides with a defined molecular weight. Collagen hydrolysates prepared by biotechnological methods from chicken gizzards, deer tendons, and Cyprinus carpio skeletons can be an alternative source of collagen for cosmetic products that traditionally use bovine or porcine collagen hydrolysates. Collagen hydrolysates were characterized by antioxidant activity, surface tension, solution contact angle, and other parameters (dry weight, ash content, and solution clarity). Furthermore, the vibrational characterization of functional groups and their molecular weight was performed using the GPC-RID method. Subsequently, emulsion and gel cosmetic matrices were prepared with 0.5% and 1.5% collagen hydrolysates. Microbiological stability, organoleptic properties, and viscosity were investigated. Verification of the biophysical parameters of the topical formulations was performed in vivo on a group of volunteers by measuring skin hydration and pH and determining trans-epidermal water loss. Fish collagen hydrolysate was the most suitable for cosmetic applications in the parameters investigated. Moreover, it also effectively reduces wrinkles in the periorbital region when used in a gel matrix.Internal Grant Agency of the Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlin [IGA/FT/2025/006
Physical and electrical properties of polylactic acid-based adsorbents for the malachite green dye removal with potential sensoric application
Get PDFNew adsorbent films for the biosorption of malachite green (MG) dye from water were prepared using polylactic acid (PLA) as a renewable, degradable and thermoplastic polymer matrix, instead of widely used crosslinked systems. Polyaniline (PANI) and carbon fibers (CFs) were added to PLA through vigorous sonication followed by a casting technique to create electrically conductive PLA-based adsorbent films with enhanced functionality and adsorption properties. The composite films were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and BET-surface area measurements to identify their functionality as adsorbents for removing MG dye from water. The produced PLA/PANI/CFs composite films exhibited higher electrical conductivity and surface area compared to PLA and PLA/PANI films. The effects of adsorbent film composition, contact time, pH, and dye concentration on adsorption efficiency were assessed. The adsorption test confirmed effective removal of MG dye with maximum adsorption capacities of up to 60.1 mg/g. The isotherm data fitted the Langmuir model with an R2 value of 0.99, implying a chemisorption process. The fabricated biosorbents disclosed the first-order kinetic model with high R2 values and an exothermic reaction with the MG dye, as the process is stimulated by a decrease in temperature. Adsorbent regeneration and the significant effect of various MG concentrations on electric conductivity, which changed by two orders of magnitude, demonstrated the applicability of PLA/PANI/CFs composite films as potential MG dye sensors.Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport; Slovak Academic Information Agency, SAIA; Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy, MŠMT; Vedecká Grantová Agentúra MŠVVaŠ SR a SAV, VEGA, (APVV-23-0534); Vedecká Grantová Agentúra MŠVVaŠ SR a SAV, VEGA; DKRVO, (RP/CPS/2024-28/003)Slovak Academy of Sciences [VEGA 2/0042/25, APVV-23-0534]; Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic [RP/CPS/2024-28/003]; Slovak Academic Information Agency (SAIA) within the National Scholarship Programme of The Slovak Republi
Building a smart system of pilgrimage tourism through a mobile application for Mary's Way in Slovakia
No full textThe paper is focused on the example of one pilgrimage route, “Way of Mary”, in the field of building pilgrimage tourism in Slovakia within the rurAllure project supported by the European Commission, Horizon 2020. Smart tourism and slow tourism combined with pilgrimage is one of the attractive options that respond to the demands of today’s customers. One smart pilgrimage tourism approach is creating a mobile application developed within the project that emphasises a personalised approach. The research findings based on content analysis pointed to five key themes that form the core of the mobile application’s appeal to pilgrimage tourists. There are: (1) pilgrimage sites, (2) natural heritage sites, (3) ethnographic and cultural attractions, (4) experiential spots, and (5) narratives. The platform developed as part of the rurAllure project will provide pilgrims with unique and interactive opportunities to explore the pilgrimage routes in a new and enriching way and encourage a smart, sustainable, slow, and customer-oriented approach.Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, H2020, (101004887); Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, H202